What Is GraffLab? 

YAE! Camp for Girls at the Electric Blocks, 2019


PSAA’s GraffLab is a positive, affirming environment where teens feel empowered to express themselves through street art.

This new summer workshop continues PSAA’s mission to empower teens through creative expression in public space, nurturing personal growth, community connections, and artistic leadership. The workshop builds on the success of PSAA’s previous youth programs - Street ED (2021) and YAE! Camp (2018-2019) - and represents a key step toward developing a scalable, community-rooted youth arts education model. 


Workshop DETAILS

Hands-on lessons for local teens!

GraffLab is a one-day immersive street art workshop in August 2025 for co-ed high school-aged youth (13–17 years old). The workshop will take place at the Electric Blocks (1615 SE 3rd Ave., Portland, Oregon) in Portland’s Central Eastside, utilizing both an indoor classroom space and an adjacent outdoor garage and parking lot area for artmaking.

This workshop is designed to engage up to 15 co-ed teens in hands-on activities that explore:

  • Street and graffiti art history 

  • Hands-on spray painting techniques 

  • How to plan for and design a mural

  • Other mural-making tips and tricks!  


WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

10:00am-11:15am: Street Art History - Walking Tour of the Electric Blocks
11:15am-12:15pm: Guest Artist Speakers - Stickers, Stencils, Wheatpastes
12:15pm-12:45pm: Lunch Break - Pizza Lunch (Vegan & Vegetarian Options)
12:45pm-1:30pm: Mural Design Planning, Spray Painting Demonstration and Tutorial by Lead Artist Devin Finley
1:45pm-2:00pm: Mask-Up & Gloves-On, Painting Safety & Etiquette Overview
2:00pm-4:00pm: Practice Spray, Teens Painting Group Mural, Final Group Photo

Pick up new skills from professional artists!


 
 

INSTRUCTORS

 

Devin Finley
Muralist, SPONSORED ARTIST

Devin Finely is the founder and creative director at Define Arts. He is a professional commercial artist specializing in murals and custom artwork. Devin oversees project implementation, cost analysis, and sourcing of project-specific materials. Devin is also a national brand ambassador and sponsored artist for Montana Cans. Devin has worked with PSAA for 10 years, completing murals such as Brookyln Bound, Central Eastside History, and People of Portland.

GALEN MALCOLM
MURALIST, PSAA BOARD MEMBER

Galen Malcolm’s art practice includes abstract and gestural forms, characters, and wildstyle lettering. Galen completed a BA in Liberal Studies, Sociology & Graphic Design at PSU. He has assisted PSAA since its founding and continues to support community project site management logistics. Galen was a Lead Instructor for YAE! Camp in 2018 & 2019, and provides one-on-one mentorship support for young and emerging street artists.

 
 
 
 

GUEST ARTISTS

RX SKULLS | STICKER, STENCIL + WHEATPASTE ARTIST

VOXX ROMANA | STICKER, STENCIL + WHEATPASTE ARTIST

GUEST SPEAKERS

TOMÁS VALLADARES | PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD

Tomás Valladares is one of PSAA’s Founding Directors. As a Cuban-Venezuelan, Tomás is fluent in both English and Spanish. Tomás has worked as a producer and videographer since 2008, and holds a Masters in Arts Administration and Media Management from the University of Oregon. Tomás has helped manage art galleries including White Box and One Grand in Portland. Tomás is currently a Senior Creative Producer at Swift.

Tiffany Conklin | PSAA Executive Director

PSAA Executive Director Tiffany Conklin, founded PSAA in 2012, along with the President of the Board of Directors, Tomás Valladares. Tiffany has over two decades of professional research experience, including 16 years managing projects at PSU. Tiffany holds a BA in Cultural Anthropology and Sociology, and a Master’s of Urban Studies, with a specialty focus on Public Space. She manages the daily operations of PSAA, including commissioned work, community projects, public policy consultation, and a variety of public engagement activities, including street art tours and painting tutorials.

DeAngelo Raines | EVENT PRODUCER, DJ, PSAA Board Member

DeAngelo “DeLo” Raines is a 3rd-generation Portlander, a producer, DJ, contemporary artist, and art director. DeLo has supported new and emerging brands, artists, and music performers for decades as a native third-generation Portlander. A recognized member of Portland’s nightlife, music, art, and entertainment communities. Previous initiatives include SERVICE, an underground venue for film, photography, and events; and ART IS NOT CRIME, a community organization built to teach underserved youth art through the lens of graffiti.


SPONSORS


APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

Notification & Payment Information:

  • Parent Notification: Monday, July 21st, 2025

  • Workshop Fee Due: Friday, July 25th, 2025 (scholarship recipients excluded)

Please note that spots are limited. Parents will be notified on Monday, July 21st if their youth has been selected for the workshop.

Important: Workshop fees must be paid by Friday, July 25th to secure your youth's spot (unless your youth was awarded a scholarship).